Council voted in favour Tuesday night of a motion asking the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Health to “review ways to provide hydro relief to hospitals and other healthcare facilities through rebates or other measures”.
Council is concerned about the potential impact rising hydro costs will have on hospitals and healthcare across Ontario, as Ontario hospitals are not currently eligible for newly announced provincial rebates.
North Bay Regional Hospital President Paul Heinrich last week said that soaring energy costs were, in part, responsible for the laying off of up to 40 more employees this week.
See: Hospital to cut another 30-40 jobs
Heinrich says energy costs are projected to increase by 12 per cent, or $200,000, this year, however the facility will not qualify for hydro relief under the new Liberal plans.